HSE guidance to baggage handling industry
12 February 2010
The UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a
statement (11 February 2010) on its guidance to the UK’s baggage
handling industry.
The full press release is shown below:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) works alongside the
aviation industry to help develop and provide guidance on baggage
handling, and continues to stress the need for increased mechanical
support.
Through HSE's continued involvement with the airlines and ground
handling companies, we were successful in convincing the
International Air Transport Association (IATA) to introduce the new
lower recommended individual bag weight of 23-25 kilos, introduced
in the 2009 edition of the IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM).
HSE recognises that the weight of a load is only one risk factor
in manual handling and other factors should also be taken into
consideration to reduce risks, including work systems and frequency
of manual handling.
Head of HSE's Transportation and Safety Unit, Nick Ratty
said:
"This is an ongoing international issue
and HSE has always said that manual handling should be avoided
altogether where practicable.
"Basic handling equipment can help reduce the
need for manual handling, however HSE is aware of reports of such
equipment not being used due to cost issues, or in-hold equipment
being removed from aircraft due to its weight and size.
"New technology includes more sophisticated
extending belt loaders, which convey bags right into the aircraft
hold and would significantly reduce MSD risks. HSE will continue to
work with the industry and others to reduce the risks to
workers."
Freely-available help and guidance is available on HSE's
Air Transport
web pages.
The HSE also added that they:
- Supported the principles of UNITE's 'Lighten Up' campaign and
will continue to support any industry efforts to reduce risks in
baggage handling.
- Wants airports, airlines and handlers to take other steps to
reduce risks, such as using improved technology and handling aids
which are now available and coming into use both in this country
and elsewhere in Europe.
The original press release can be see on the HSE news
pages.